Research Summaries

Experiences of homelessness differ depending on the individual. The stories heard in this research do not support the stereotype that homelessness is an individual problem. There is a need for more services in accessible areas, as well as safe and affordable housing. Providing adequate services can restore dignity and a sense of citizenship.
Homelessness in the Suburbs: Engulfment in the Grotto of Poverty was published in Studies in...

Those who are experiencing episodic and longer-term homelessness represent a small number of shelter users who use the majority of shelter beds. Programs and policies need to be developed to support these groups.
Identifying the Patterns of Emergency Shelter Stays of Single Individuals in Canadian Cities of Different Sizes was published in Housing Studies Volume 28, Issue 6, pages 910-927 in 2013.

LGBTQ youth prefer receiving services at schools, community centres and LGBTQ specific agencies. There is no ‘one size fits all’ youth program for LGBTQ youth. Youth require varied services and safe settings to account for the different needs of youth in the LGBTQ community.
Social services for sexual minority youth: Preference for what, where and how services are delivered was published in Children and Youth Services Review, 35(2), p...

Household food insecurity is an extensive problem in North America, affecting 8% of Canadian households in 2007/08. The key predictors of household food insecurity are low income and reliance on government assistance. Numerous calls for responses to food insecurity have drawn attention to housing affordability as an important factor. Housing is considered to be affordable if 30% or less of gross household income is spent on shelter...

Youth’s social environments affect their experience with heavy drinking. This varies between black and white youth. However, youth that have at least four people in their immediate social network who are students are less likely to drink.
Download the summary (PDF)Are Social Network Correlates of Heavy Drinking Similar Among Black Homeless Youth and White Homeless Youth? was published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 73(...

Suicide rates for street-involved and homeless youth are higher than the general youth population. Previous research has focused on the risk factors that increase suicide attempts and suicidal ideation (thoughts) among street youth. These include current and past experiences with unstable housing, victimization, depression, and substance abuse. This study considers the impact these factors may cause on both suicide attempts and...